Mental Health Care in Ireland
Mental health services in Ireland are provided through the HSE, voluntary organisations, and private practitioners. Access depends on your location, eligibility, and the type of support you need. Updated for 2026 HSE.
HSE Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)
The HSE provides mental health care through Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) across Ireland. Each team typically includes:
- Consultant psychiatrists.
- Psychiatric nurses.
- Social workers.
- Occupational therapists.
- Clinical psychologists.
How to Access
You need a referral from your GP to access HSE community mental health services. The GP will assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate team.
Waiting Times
Waiting times vary by region. In some areas, you may wait weeks for an initial assessment; in others, months. Priority is given to those with more severe conditions.
CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provide specialist mental health care for children and young people (up to age 18). CAMHS teams include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
- Referral: Through your GP, school, or social services.
- Conditions treated: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, ASD assessments, psychosis.
- Waiting times: Variable: some areas have significant waiting lists.
If you are concerned about a child's mental health, speak to your GP in the first instance.
Counselling and Psychotherapy
HSE Counselling
The HSE offers limited counselling services, often through primary care teams. Access requires a GP referral.
- Primary Care Psychology: Short-term therapy (typically 6 — 8 sessions) for mild to moderate issues.
- Waiting times: 6 — 12 months in many areas.
Low-Cost Counselling
- MyMind: Low-cost counselling (€20 — €60 per session) in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and online.
- Turning Point (Dublin): Sliding-scale fees based on income.
- Pieta House: Free crisis counselling for suicidal ideation and self-harm.
- Samaritans: Free 24/7 listening support: call 116 123.
- Aware: Support groups for depression: free.
Private Therapy
Costs typically range from €50 — €120 per session (€50 — €80 for a trainee or sliding-scale therapist, €90 — €120+ for an experienced psychologist). Check if your private health insurance covers counselling (many plans include 6 — 12 sessions per year).
Crisis Services
- Emergency: Call 112 or 999 for immediate danger to life.
- Samaritans: Freephone 116 123: 24/7.
- Pieta House: Freephone 1800 247 247: 24/7 crisis line.
- Aware: 1800 80 48 48: 10am — 10pm daily.
- Text About It: Text HELLO to 50808: 24/7 text service.
- Your local ED: If in crisis, go to your nearest Emergency Department.
Mental Health and Medical Cards
Medical Card holders can access HSE mental health services free of charge, including psychiatrist care, psychology, and counselling. GP Visit Card holders get free GP consultations to discuss mental health concerns, but onward referrals may involve costs.